Vegetable OilsThe more saturated an oil, the thicker its consistency and the
longer it can be stored without refrigeration. Also, the lower the iodine value, the better the oil will keep. Values can
vary according to the source of the oil. Some oils also contain other ingredients that improve their preservation, such as
sesame oil.

Oil

% of Saturated Fats

Iodine Value

Coconut

91

9

Cocoa Butter

50

40

Olive

20

84

Peanut

20

92

Rice

17

104

Corn

17

124

Wheat Germ

18

125

Walnut

16

138

Soy

15

130

Sesame

13

110

Almond

5 - 10

100

Apricot

5 - 10

100

Sunflower

6 - 8

130

Safflower

6

143

Castor

3

84

The values are based on information from Bailey's Industrial Oil and Fat Products, edited by Daniel Swern,
and Food Oils and Their Uses, by Theodore J. Weiss, USDA research chemist.

Carrier oils should be stored away from heat and light to ensure their freshness. The addition of jojoba oil as 10 percent
of your carrier oil will help extend the shelf life of your blend by slowing down oxidation that leads to rancidity. Vitamin
E oil is an excellent antioxidant; adding it to any aromatherapy blend will help extend the life of most vegetable oils. One
or two capsules (200-400 IU) per two-ounce bottle of carrier oil is enough. It is recommended that you make only enough of
a blend to last a few months. A refrigerated blend may keep six months or more. Refrigeration of all vegetable oils is highly
recommended.

Methods of Application at a GlanceEssential oils are versatile and effective
in treating many common problems. The following guidelines are suitable for a single essential oil or a combination of oils.
Many problems are best treated by a combination of methods. For example, a cold may be treated with an inhalant, a bath, a
chest rub and a compress. Details on specific applications are presented throughout this book in the chapters on Facial Care,
Massage and Therapeutics.

Carrier OilsVegetable oils high in vitamins A, E and F-soothing, skin-softening,
nourishing and rich in nutrients that enrich the skin-are among the best carriers of essential oils. They are called fixed
oils because their large molecules stay in the plant instead of being easily released, as are the essential oils. This means
that they are often extracted with heat or solvent-extracted (a process that also uses heat to extract the solvent). The one
exception is olive oil, which can be cold-pressed, although less oil is obtained with this method, resulting in a more expensive
product. Whenever possible, choose vegetable oils that are expeller-pressed or cold-pressed, which means they have not been
exposed to temperatures over 110 degrees.

Unlike essential oils, vegetable oil molecules are large and do not easily penetrate the skin, making them an ideal medium
for cosmetic products. The "saturation rate" of carrier oils measures how thick they are. The more saturated the oil, the
thicker it is, the longer it stays on the skin, and the longer its shelf life. On the other hand, unsaturated oils give the
illusion that they are being absorbed into the skin when they are actually evaporating. The most suitable oil depends on the
application. Most body workers prefer saturated oil for massage, but many cosmetics use less saturated oils that feel less
thick and sticky.

Other factors to consider are smell and color. The light smell and color of almond, hazelnut and grapeseed oils put them
among the most preferred oils for cosmetics. (We've found that you need to go easy on using unrefined oils, which can leave
you smelling like food).

Muscle-Spasm Headache Relief
This formula is great for easing muscle-spasm headaches.
What you need:
2 drops peppermint
1 drop rosemary
1 oz. carrier oil such as sweet almond oil
How to: Add the peppermint and rosemary to the carrier oil. Rub on pulse points or on back of neck.